Name: Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store bought); 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 8 oz mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded); 4 oz parmesan cheese (freshly shredded); 8 pepperoni slices; 1/4 lb spicy or mild Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes (optional); Olive oil (for brushing crust edges)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you are a fan of hearty, savory flavors that come together in one unforgettable bite, the Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This pizza is loaded with a delicious mix of pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, and two kinds of cheese, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection on a crispy crust. Whether you’re serving up a fun weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe brings the kind of rich, satisfying taste that turns any meal into a celebration. It’s simple to make, yet packed with bold flavors that real meat lovers crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pizza dough base with a light beige color and a smooth texture is spread on a dark pan. On top, there is one even layer of bright red tomato sauce, covering almost all of the dough except the edges. Over the sauce, there is a scattered layer of shredded white cheese, spread unevenly and leaving some areas less covered. The pizza is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the dough providing the crispy foundation or the blend of cheeses adding creamy texture and tangy richness.

1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store bought): A sturdy base that crisps beautifully while staying chewy inside.
1/2 cup pizza sauce: The flavorful tomato layer that ties all the toppings together with a hint of herbs.
8 oz mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Melts into a gooey blanket perfect for holding the toppings.
4 oz parmesan (freshly shredded): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that deepens the cheese profile.
8 pepperoni slices: Classic pizza meat with a little spice and a satisfying snap.
1/4 lb spicy or mild Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled): Brings robust flavor and a savory punch.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the pizza’s overall aroma and taste.
1 tsp red pepper chili flakes (optional): For those who want to add a little extra heat and zing.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven rack to the lower position and preheating the oven to a sizzling 500 degrees. This high heat is key to a crisp crust and perfectly melted cheese that keeps the toppings juicy and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pizza Dough

If you’re working with refrigerated dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is essential to make the dough more pliable and easier to stretch without tearing. The dough will reward you with a tender, airy crust.

Step 3: Get Your Toppings Ready

Cook and crumble the Italian sausage ahead of time to ensure it’s juicy and cooked through. Shred your mozzarella and parmesan cheeses freshly for better melt and flavor. Measure out the pepperoni slices and seasoning so everything is ready to assemble the pizza without a hitch.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, stretch and shape the dough initially into a 10-inch circle, then transfer it to your baking sheet and gently press it out further to about 12 inches. Leaving the edges a bit thicker (around half an inch) will give you that irresistible, golden crust perimeter.

Step 5: Add a Crispy Finish to the Crust

Brush olive oil lightly over the edges of your shaped dough. This small step helps the crust develop a beautiful golden crispness in the oven, while adding a subtle richness to every bite.

Step 6: Layer Your Ingredients

Start with a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, spreading evenly but leaving the edges untouched. Sprinkle your cheeses over the sauce, then artfully arrange the pepperoni slices and crumbled sausage on top. Finally, dust the pizza with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your pizza in the oven and bake for about 10 to 13 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will tell you it’s ready.

Step 8: Slice and Serve Hot

Once baked, slice the pizza immediately and serve while it’s still hot and cheesy, promising each bite is bursting with flavor. Nothing beats that first, melty mouthful of this Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe!

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe

A round pizza on a dark pizza pan with a thick light yellow dough crust, topped with a layer of bright red tomato sauce spread evenly close to the edges. There is a layer of shredded white mozzarella cheese covering the sauce. Thin round slices of red pepperoni are layered evenly on top of the cheese. Scattered on top are small chunks of browned ground sausage and thin strips of light pink ham, along with small pieces of crispy red bacon bits spread all over. The pizza sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a handful of arugula added right after baking brings a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich meats and cheeses. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few flakes of sea salt can also elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Complement your Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe with crisp, refreshing side salads like Caesar or a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, garlic knots, or even a bowl of zesty tomato soup can balance the richness and complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your pizza family-style on a large wooden board, encouraging everyone to grab slices. You can also cut the pizza into smaller squares for casual gatherings or make mini personal pizzas using this recipe as a base idea for variety and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and flavor without the crust becoming too soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the pizza slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents freezer burn and allows you to enjoy your favorite Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe anytime you want, with leftovers lasting up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

For the best reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a lid to warm the pizza gently while keeping the crust crisp. Alternatively, a 375-degree oven for 8-10 minutes works perfectly to revive the flavors and textures without drying out the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works great for this Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe and saves time. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature to make shaping easier.

What’s the best cheese combo for this pizza?

Mozzarella provides that classic meltiness while parmesan adds a sharp, savory depth. Together they balance richness and flavor perfectly.

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

You can definitely swap the meats for hearty vegetarian toppings like mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and olives, but it wouldn’t be a true Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe without the savory meats.

How spicy will this pizza be?

The level of heat depends on the sausage you choose and whether you add red pepper flakes. You can easily control the spice to suit your taste by adjusting those ingredients.

Is it okay to add more toppings?

Feel free to add more toppings, but keep in mind that overloading the pizza can affect how the crust cooks and the overall balance of flavors. The Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe shines with its carefully chosen mix of meats and cheeses.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe is like giving yourself a big, flavorful hug at dinner time. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Once you take that first bite of the crispy crust topped with gooey cheese and savory meats, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy pizza night like never before!